friends holding up beers on the beach

Best San Diego Summer Events to Add to Your Calendar

There is no better time to plan a trip to San Diego than during the summer months. The near perfect weather, amazing outdoor entertainment opportunities, and cool, coastal location make our favorite seaside city the perfect place to be for a variety of exciting summer events in San Diego. Book your waterfront room or suite in San Diego at Humphreys Half Moon Inn this summer and enjoy resort-style amenities with a beautiful bayfront location. When it comes to fun summer events, our perfectly situated waterfront hotel near San Diego’s top attractions and landmarks is the first place on our list of the best things to do in San Diego this summer.

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (Now – November 16)

If you’re looking for a San Diego waterfront concert this summer, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay is a popular choice with visitors and locals. Located onsite at our hotel on the San Diego Bay, our open-air venue presents a variety of musical genres, comedy shows, and more one of the area’s most-renowned stages. From world-class waterfront views and outstanding concerts all summer long, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay offers a bucket-list SoCal music experience.

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay seating and stage

Humphreys Backstage LIVE Summer Events (Ongoing)

Our intimate music venue and lounge offers entertainment from nationally renowned artists to rising local talents. A favorite San Diego concert at Humphreys Backstage LIVE is the monthly Gospel Brunch Series. These popular Sunday gospel concerts feature Earl Tomas, the award-winning San Diego blues soul singer and songwriter who has recorded albums and written songs for Etta James and Ike Turner. A must-see show this summer.

Backstage Live Stage

 

Nighttime Zoo (Now – September 2nd)

Experience the magic of the San Diego Zoo this summer with evening visits that unveil a whole new world after dark. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, enjoy special seasonal events that come alive in the twilight hours. Delight in live music, engaging interactive entertainment, unique encounters with your favorite animals, and numerous family-friendly activities. Discover all the seasonal festivities awaiting you at the San Diego Zoo here.

San Diego Zoo Entrance

SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular (Now – September 2nd)

Summer is a great time at SeaWorld San Diego! Celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year, the excitement and celebration is in full swing. Shamu and Crew – Together Again live performance character show is a must-see as is the new BMX BLAST high-energy stunt show, live concerts at the summer series, and the amazing new Enchanted Wonders Fireworks spectacular. There is something for everyone at SeaWorld San Diego this summer. Check out the SeaWorld summer events here.

Whale at Seaworld California

San Diego Beer Fest (June 8th)

The 13th annual San Diego Brew Festival is happening this summer on June 8th and features over 70 breweries, 200 beers, and 10 of San Diego’s best food trucks for your eating and drinking pleasure! Guests of the San Diego Brew Fest will also enjoy live bands, lawn games, and other festivities at NTC park from noon to 4pm. Enjoy your favorite local craft beers in the Beer Capital of America or try a few new ones at this popular San Diego summer festival.

Man holding Beer at Festival

(Photo: @sdbeertour)

San Diego County Fair (June 12th – July 7th)

Enjoy good old-fashioned summer fun at the San Diego County Fair. Guests can expect tasty treats, thrilling rides, incredible exhibits, and live entertainment from popular acts including Train, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Switchfoot, Boyz II Men, Alabama, and comedy by Kevin Hart. So much to see and do at this popular summer event in San Diego!

San Diego County Fairgrounds

Big Bay Boom (July 4th)

Are you ready to experience the largest fireworks show in Southern California? Guests at Humphreys Half Moon Inn will enjoy a front-row view of the spectacular Big Bay Boom 4th of July celebration. This unforgettable event features perfectly choreographed fireworks launched simultaneously from barges around the bay, creating a mesmerizing 17-minute display. Don’t miss the chance to experience this dazzling Independence Day tradition!

Fireworks over San Diego Bay

(Photo: @seanstumblingthrough)

San Diego Pride (July 13 – July 21)

Visitors can enjoy a variety of Pride events this summer in Southern California. Designed especially to celebrate Pride Week in San Diego, the choices range from She Fest and the San Diego Pride Parade to Pride 5K Run and the Spirit of Stonewall Rally – there is so much to see and do at this popular summer event.

Bus with people on it with Pride Sign on the side of bus

(Photo: @ajoysimpsonfilm)

Del Mar Racing Season (July 20 – September 8)

Have a fun time at the Del Mar Racetrack this summer and place a bet on the crowd favorite! Each year, from late-July to mid-September, the magic and nostalgia of this popular horse race tradition continues. Since the days of Bing Crosby and Seabiscuit, all of the top horses, trainers, and jockeys gather at the Del Mar Racetrack to enjoy this legendary series.

Horse and trainer racing at the Del Mar Racetracks

(Photo: @richardeliasteam)

San Diego Bayfest (July 20)

This 21 and over summer event is located at Waterfront Park and offers stunning views and lots of green space along the Bay waterfront. Enjoy live entertainment from Sublime, Atmosphere, Goldfinger, Barrington Levy, Makua Rothman, and Kyle Smith at San Diego Bayfest. This San Diego concert festival is among the most popular summer events in SoCal, and you won’t want to miss the music, events, and vibe.

San Diego Comic-Con (July 25 – July 28)

Comic-Con International: San Diego, (SDCC 2024) the world’s biggest celebration of comics and pop culture, honors everything superhero, sci-fi, fantasy, and magic! Get your tickets early because it will sell out and be sure to book your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn for a prime location near all the Comic-Con action. Whether you attend the convention or not, there will be plenty of related events in the area you won’t want to miss out on.

Comic Con sign

SoCal Taco Fest (August 17)

For your fill of great music and delicious food, Taco Fest San Diego promises to deliver a spicy treat. Held at Waterfront Park in August, the SoCal Taco Fest features main-stage performances by Vanilla Ice, Smash Mouth, Los Amigos Invisibles, and Fast Times. Festival goers will also enjoy a margarita cantina with your favorite beverages, chihuahua races and beauty pageant, Lucha Libre wrestling, and so much more!

(Video: @magic925sandiego)

Are You Ready to Experience Summer by the Bay in San Diego?

Make plans for summer fun in San Diego! Book your waterfront suite or room for a front-row seat to all the exciting summer events in San Diego. From onsite firework viewing and live concerts to resort-style amenities at a perfect waterfront location, summer just doesn’t get any better than Humphreys Half Moon Inn on beautiful Shelter Island!

humphreys half moon inn spring flowers